rain sticks....

I am a student teacher in art, and I recently observed
another high school art class making rain sticks...I
would like to know if anyone has a lesson for making
these or any ideas on what materials can be used to
construct them and also what material makes the best
noise to fill it with.

Also I would like to receive all these messages in
digest form and I have yet to figure out how to do
that-if anyone knows I would appreciate any
instructions. Thanks in advance and have a great day!
-Erin